Ball hockey rinks in Las Vegas

The Golden Knights open their preseason Sunday against the San Jose Sharks at the SAP Center. With the NHL on their mind and cooling weather, Las Vegans may be looking for ways to play a little hockey themselves.

The city has a healthy number of ice rinks, including the Golden Knights-operated City National Arena in Summerlin and America First Center in Henderson.

But for any hockey nut living in a hockey town, ice is not enough, and playing all the time, anywhere and everywhere, is a must. Here is a list of the ball hockey rinks across the city, where hockey players of all shapes and sizes can practice their skills outdoors on the concrete or throw on some roller blades to stay sharp:

Anthem Hills Park &Anthem East Trailhead (2256 N. Reunion Drive, Henderson): This is probably the closest you will get to mimicking an actual ice rink, as Anthem Hills has a full-size space with boards, benches and all the proper lines. The concrete floor is relatively smooth, making it a good place for roller hockey players.

Gardens Park (10401 Garden Park Drive): Smaller surface than Anthem, but still high quality as it has end boards and lines. Like Anthem, the lights surrounding the rink turn on at night, which means you can play until all hours.

Children’s Memorial Park (6601 W. Gowan Road): If you’re looking to practice your 3-on-3, Children’s Memorial Park is the place. It has a proper surface and lights but is much smaller than Anthem Hills and Gardens Park.

Lorenzi Park (3333 W. Washington Ave.): The VGK Ball Hockey Rink — designed and built through funds from the Golden Knights Foundation and the NHL — is geared toward teaching youths the sport. However, it still offers a great surface if you’re looking for some 3-on-3 action as well.

Desert Breeze Park (8275 Spring Mountain Road): Two rinks for the price of one here. However, these two surfaces are older and probably better suited for roller hockey than ball hockey. But in a pinch, they are still great venues with boards.

Of course, the next step for any hockey town is to have a dedicated indoor ball hockey space so people can play year-round. But until then, these spots will have to suffice.

Some tips for first-timers wanting to try out the game include a proper stick with a blade, good quality running shoes, gloves to protect your hands, a helmet and shin pads. Of course, in the heat, lots of water is required, and always find shade when you’re taking a rest.

If you’re organizing a proper game, remember to bring your own nets as most of the rinks don’t have their own on-site.

Contact Patrick Blennerhassett at pblennerhassett@reviewjournal.com.